September 3, 2011
Top-ranked De La Salle started slow in the first half but rallied in the second to win in double overtime 26-23 against No. 3 Bellarmine Prep. The win keeps De La Salle's national title hopes alive. Despite several game-winning opportunities that came up short, the Bells look to be a force in the WCAL and it would not be surprising if they ran the table for the rest of the season.
In the first half, Bellarmine had all the scoring chances, missing field goal attempts on its first two possessions and taking a sack on its third possession that prevented a third field goal attempt. The Bells Joe Gigantino recovered a fumble for a 40 yard touchdown return for the only first half score.
On its first possession of the second half, De La Salle senior wide receiver Anthony Williams returned a punt 90 yards to tie the score at 7-7. Williams then caught a 69 yard touchdown reception on the very next possession to give De La Salle a 14-7 lead. After the Spartans missed a field goal attempt, Bellarmine ran 15 running plays to score on a one yard keeper by Travis McHugh to tie the game at 14 with less than three minutes left.
In the first overtime period, both teams scored touchdowns but missed the extra point to bring the score to 20-20 in a back and forth tug of war. In the second overtime, the Bells convert a field goal to lead 23-20. Quarterback Bart Houston ran the ball in on the De La Salle possession to win the game 26-23.
Offensive analysis: Houston had a few turnovers in the first half as the Spartan offense was non-existent. But give Houston credit as he was not flustered in the second half and overtime sessions to lead his team back with Williams. For the Bells, McHugh ran well and made good decisions. Lineman Connor Lambert helped open holes for the Bell runners. Bellarmine did not extend the field but was able to use a ball control running game effectively.
The Defenses: De La Salle's offense put the defense in bad situations but the unit was able to bend but not break. For the most part, the Spartan defense tackled well and did not allow the Bells to break a big run or passing play. Aside from the big Williams pass play, Bellarmine's defense was stingy in allowing points and was opportunistic while creating turnovers.
Special teams the difference: Williams had the big touchdown punt return. Up 14-7 and at the Bellarmine 13 yard line in the early fourth quarter, the Spartans miss a short field goal that could have sealed the game. In addition, they miss an extra point try in overtime. On the other side of the ball, the Bells could not convert turnovers that gave them great field position as they missed two early field goal attempts. The ultimate momentum shifter was a missed game winning extra point attempt in the first overtime.
Outlook for the rest of the season: De La Salle gets a bye week before facing St. Mary's of Stockton which lost to Granite Bay and also has to play next week. The Spartans will not look past the Rams to their national Top 5 battle in America's swampland, also known as Florida to face St. Thomas Aquinas. A win there and De La Salle could go into league play knowing that a mythical high school national title is within their grasp.
The Spartans are balanced in all phases of the game. The passing game was suspect in the first half, but Houston can make all the throws if called upon as shown in the second half. The defense only allowed seven points in regulation despite all the red zone chances, while the special teams sparked the team in the second half.
Bellarmine's season is not over by any stretch. The Bells are capable of winning out and making a deep postseason run. A De La Salle win against St. Thomas Aquinas would strengthen the Bells' strength of schedule and legitimize the loss. Conversely, a St. Thomas Aquinas victory would weaken the NorCal football landscape nationally.
The Bells strength is their defense with an emphasis on the linebackers. Do not expect any team to be able to put up big passing numbers against this group. The matchups against the running games of Valley Christian and Serra will prove to be interesting. If the defense can limit success on the ground, then expect the Bells to win the WCAL. McHugh has a good passing touch when he does throw but is a good runner as a dual threat. If Bellarmine wins out for the season, the Bells will remember the special teams play of this game as the reason why they did not secure an Open Bowl bid and finish in the Top 10 of the final national rankings.
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